A Tale of Two Night Stands

Hello, friends! Today I have a tale of two night stands for you. They didn't begin their lives as night stands. Their early lives were more exciting than that. They started out as desks in the original military-type housing in the town I live and grew up in, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. More recently, they were used as storage in someone else's garage and had become sad, oil-stained, and neglected.

Now they have a new lease on life as our night stands.

My night stand. I decorated it with some more feminine items and a basket for storage.

The Mr.'s night stand also has a basket for storage and I added a few masculine items on his side. I like the red accents paired with the turquoise.

Earlier this month I had taken out a small oak chest of drawers that I had been using as a night stand and replaced it with a gate leg table. I wanted something more open than the chest of drawers, but the table just wasn't right for the space.

We needed something with a drawer for our "stuff".

And then I found these at an estate sale. They were in the garage of the home, covered with oil stains and gunk, kinda gross, but the price was right. And they were exactly what we needed for our night stands!

After lots of cleaning with Gloss Off, the makeover began. For the paint finish, I created a color using two different shades of blue and used it for the base. After it dried, I distressed it and then did a wash with a gray milk paint to give it some variety in color. Then I finished it with Clapham's Wax. I love that stuff.

I've got some old books on the top and in the basket, including a vintage college handbook. Appropriate for an old desk, I think.

I have no idea who those very young people are. ;)

Here are the two side by side for comparison. They're not identical twins. The one on the left is slightly smaller and is made from oak. The handle is also smaller. I'm not sure what type of wood the one of the right is made from, but it's definitely not oak. Again, they are exactly the same color, but the light from the bathroom made the right desk look a little greener.

Books, boxwood, a photo of the girls when they were little, and my favorite old alabaster lamp decorate my night stand.

A tole painted can and an old jumbo picnic basket underneath make excellent storage.

The top had an oak veneer and I didn't want to sand it too much, so many of the scratches and flaws are still there.

They are very rustic and have lots of personality, just the way I like things.

Here you can see them both in their new lives, on either side of the bed. They are exactly the same color in reality. I had the light on in the bathroom and it was casting a bit of a yellow glow on the right table, and the bed skirt too. So now you know.

And lastly, my cat wanted to be part of this post. She's the cutest cat on the planet, and she thinks she has to be in every photo shoot. How could I resist?

So what do you think of our new old night stands? I always love it when I can give a brand new life to something that's been cast off and forgotten. And these are just the perfect size for us.

If you like this project, go here to check out my other painted projects.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Have a great weekend.

XOXOX,

Angie

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Thanks, Cheryl! Funny that you mention that your headboard blocks some of your window...we don't have a headboard. But maybe it isn't too noticeable! Anyway, I hope to have one soon, and it will likely block some of our window. Oh well! C'est la vie!

I love, I mean LOVE, the color you created for your nightstands. They look perfect in your bedroom, and I think it's so cool they aren't quite the same. It's like that game of two pictures, and you try to find what's different between them. You really have to look hard to see the differences. Fun!

Thanks, Cynthia. I thought about painting the tops and handles too, but wanted to leave some of that rustic charm showing. The cat loves to be in pictures, but actually is not very friendly. It's all an act! Have a great weekend.

Wow, those look like they were made just for your bedroom! How perfect! Love that you left the rustic tops and pulls. I would love for you to share some of your pretties at my link party. The very first one is Friday, Jan 31st at FlyingC-DIY.com I hope to see you there!

You did a fine job on those nightstands. I have a project that I have an old dresser that I've been procrastinating on and your work has definitely inspired me. I may just steal your color scheme if you don't mind! I'll post some pics when I'm done - if it turns out alright! haha

Welcome! I'm Angie and my hope is to inspire you by sharing beautiful places and spaces, good food and helpful hints. Click the photo to learn my story. Or contact me at angie@postcardsfromtheridge.com.